Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

Exercise apparatus of the stepper type which is adapted for use while the user is seated. The apparatus can be placed on the floor so that the user&#39;s legs can be exercised, or on a tabletop so that the user&#39;s arms can be exercised. Different combinations of resistance bands extending between a central post and user operated treadles provide different levels of resistance for the exercise. Changing the angle of the central post changes the range of motion for the exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise apparatus and, more particularly, to exercise apparatus of the stepper type which can be operated by either the user's legs or arms while the user is seated and in which the level of resistance and range of motion are easily adjusted.

Exercise apparatus of the stepper type is generally well known. Such apparatus usually requires the user to stand on the apparatus and alternately shift his/her weight between two treadles. There are many instances where a potential user of such apparatus cannot stand while exercising. For example, the user may be disabled but may still wish to exercise. Another instance is where the user has been sitting at a desk all day and wishes to exercise while still sitting. It would therefore be desirable to have exercise apparatus of the stepper type which can be operated while the user is seated.

It would also be desirable to have such apparatus which can also be operated by the arms of the user so that the arms can be exercised.

It would also be desirable to have such apparatus wherein the level of resistance and range of motion are easily adjusted.

It would also be desirable to have such apparatus which is compact, lightweight and inexpensive to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing desirable traits are attained in accordance with the principles of this invention by providing exercise apparatus which comprises a base and a pair of treadles mounted to the base for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis. A post is mounted to the base between the pair of treadles and extends upwardly from the base. A pair of co-linear first holder rods are each secured to the post and extend parallel to the first pivot axis each toward a respective one of the treadles. A pair of second holder rods are each secured to a respective one of the treadles and extend parallel to the first pivot axis toward the post. A pair of resilient resistance members each extends from a respective one of the first holder rods to a respective one of the second holder rods each on a respective side of the post.

In accordance with an aspect of this invention, the post is mounted to the base for angular pivoting about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis. The apparatus further comprises means for securing the post in a selected angular position about the second pivot axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements in different figures thereof are identified by the same reference numeral and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6-9 are schematic views showing how the inventive exercise apparatus can be operated to perform various exercises for the user's legs and arms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 depict an embodiment of the inventive exercise apparatus, designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 includes a base 12, which is preferably a tubular metal piece bent into a U-shape so as to have a cross member 14 and a pair of parallel arm members 16, 18. (Although tubular metal is preferred for the base, it is understood that other materials, such as plastic, for example, can be utilized as well.) Non-slip feet 20 are mounted to the base 12. A central section of the cross member 14 is cut out and a plate member 22 is placed therein and secured to the cross member 14, as by welding or the like. The plate member 22 is preferably formed by bending a single piece of sheet stock material so as to have a pair of parallel side plates 24, 26 and a back plate 28. Each of said side plates 24, 26 is formed with a plurality of apertures. Thus, the side plates 24, 26 each have an aperture 30 aligned substantially with the center of the cross member 14 and a plurality of apertures 32,34,36,38 arrayed along a circular arc centered at the aperture 30.

The apparatus 10 also includes a pair of treadles 40, 42, each of which is mounted to a respective frame support structure 44, 46. The frame support structures 44, 46 are mounted to the cross member 14 of the base 12 for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis defined by co-linear pivot pins 48 which pass through openings in respective mounting plate members 50 and frame support structures 44, 46. The mounting plate members 50 are each preferably formed by bending a single piece of sheet stock material and are secured to the cross member 14 as by welding or the like. The treadles 40, 42 are adapted to support a user's feet and are sized accordingly. Also, massage pads 52, 54 are secured to respective ones of the treadles 40, 42. The pads 52, 54 are formed with integral bumps and function to massage a user's bare feet when pressure is applied to the pads 52, 54.

A central post 56 is mounted to the base 12 via the plate member 22 (as will be described hereinafter) between the treadles 40, 42 for pivoting movement about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis. The post 56 is formed as a hollow member with an upper pair of opposed openings 58 and a lower pair of opposed openings 60 near its lower end. The spacing between the openings 58 and 60 is the same as the radius of the circular arc along which the apertures 32, 34, 36, 38 of the plate member 22 are arrayed. A first spring detent member 62 having detent buttons 64 is inserted into the interior of the post 56 so that the buttons 64 extend through the upper pair of openings 58 and a second spring detent member 66 having detent buttons 68 is inserted into the interior of the post 56 so that the buttons 68 extend through the lower pair of openings 60. A detent button cover 70 is then placed over the lower end of the post 56 so that the detent buttons 68 are within the openings of the hooks 72 at the lower end of the cover 70 and the detent buttons 64 are beneath the resilient flaps 74 of the cover 70. The post 56 is then installed between the side plates 24, 26 so that the lower detent buttons 68 extend into the apertures 30 of the side plates 24, 26 and the upper detent buttons 64 extend into selected respective pairs of the apertures 32, 34, 36, 38 of the side plates 24, 26. The angle of the post 56 relative to the base 12 is determined by which of the pairs of apertures 32, 34, 36, 38 the upper detent buttons 64 are inserted into. The reasons for being able to select the angle of the post 56 will become apparent from the discussion which follows.

A pair of co-linear holder rods 76, 78 are secured to the upper end of the post 56 and extend parallel to the pivot axes of the post 56 and the treadles 40, 42. Preferably, the holder rods 76, 78 are part of a unitary rod member which extends through suitable openings in the post 56 and is secured thereto by welding or the like. The holder rod 76 extends away from the post 56 toward the treadle 40 and the holder rod 78 extends away from the post 56 toward the treadle 42. The end of the post 56 is covered by a pair of caps 80, 82 and the ends of the holder rods 76, 78 are covered by a pair of caps 84, 86, respectively. Each of the caps 84, 86 has an enlarged head at its end remote from the post 56.

Each of the treadles 40, 42 has a holder rod 88, 90, respectively, secured to its frame support structure 44, 46, respectively. The holder rods 88, 90 extend toward the post 56 parallel to the pivot axes of the post 56 and the treadles 40, 42. The ends of the holder rods 88, 90 are covered by a pair of caps 92, 94, respectively. Each of the caps 92, 94 has an enlarged head at its end remote from the respective treadle 40, 42.

Resilient bands 96 provide resistance during use of the exercise apparatus 10. The bands 96 are installed to each extend between holder rods on the same side of the post 56. Thus, a band 96 extends between the holder rods 76 and 88 (over the caps 80 and 92) and a band 96 extends between the holder rods 78 and 90 (over the caps 82 and 94). The enlarged heads of the caps 80, 82, 92, 94 prevent the bands 96 from slipping off. Different strength resilient bands 96 provide different levels of resistance when using the apparatus 10, and multiple bands 96 can be installed in an overlying manner on the holder rods 76, 78, 88, 90 to select a desired resistance level which is the sum of the resistance levels of the overlying multiple bands. The resistance provided by a band is determined by its dimensions, such as its width or thickness.

Resilient stopper pads 98 are secured to the underside of each of the frame support structures 44 and 46 so as to provide interfering contact with the arm members 16 and 18, respectively. Accordingly, downward movement of the treadles 40, 42 is limited and the treadles 40, 42 are cushioned upon reaching their downward limits.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the inventive exercise apparatus, designated generally by the reference numeral 100. The difference between the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 10 is in the lengths of the holder rods 76, 78, 88, 90 and the way the resistance bands are held on the apparatus. In the apparatus 10, the resistance bands are either placed individually or in overlying relationship on the holder rods, whereas in the apparatus 100, the resistance bands are next to each other and remain on the holder rods 76 and 78 and are then selectively placed on the holder rods 88 and 90. Thus, with the apparatus 100, the resistance bands can remain with the apparatus 100 and are less likely to be misplaced.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the exercise apparatus 10 can be utilized four different ways. FIG. 6 illustrates use for exercising the user's legs, with the apparatus 10 on the floor and the user seated in a chair. The user's feet are on the treadles 40, 42 with the user's heels closest to the pivot axes of the treadles. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate leg exercise, where the apparatus 10 is on the floor but turned in the opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 6. The user's heels are on the floor, with the balls of the user's feet engaging the ends of the treadles 40, 42 remote from their pivot axes. FIG. 8 illustrates use of the apparatus 10 for exercising the user's arms, with the apparatus 10 supported on a table, or the like. The user's arms are on the treadles 40, 42, with the user's elbows closest to the pivot axes of the treadles and the user's hands holding the other ends of the treadles by means of the openings 102, 104. FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate arm exercise, where the apparatus 10 is on the table but turned in the opposite direction from that shown in FIG. 8. The user's elbows are on the table, with the user's hands engaging the openings 102, 104 in the ends of the treadles 40, 42 remote from their pivot axes.

The openings 32, 34, 36, 38 in the side plates 24, 26 of the plate member 22 are used to change the angle of the post 56 relative to the plane of the base 12. Changing the angle of the post 56 is accomplished by the user depressing the flaps 74 of the detent button cover 72 so as to release the detent buttons 64 from whichever of the openings 32, 34, 36, 38 they were engaged and then pivoting the post 56 so that the detent buttons 64 engage the desired ones of the openings 32, 34, 36, 38. Having the detent buttons 64 engage a selected pair of the openings 32, 34, 36 determines the angle of the post 56 for purposes of exercise. This angle sets the range of motion for the treadles 40, 42 when used for exercising. When the detent buttons engage the openings 38, this provides a compact configuration of the apparatus 10 suitable for storage and/or transport.

Accordingly, there have been disclosed embodiments of an improved exercise apparatus of the stepper type. While preferred embodiments of the inventive apparatus have been disclosed herein, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that various alterations and modifications to the disclosed apparatus are possible while remaining within the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention. For example, a smaller and less expensive exercise apparatus can be manufactured with only a single treadle. Also, instead of using spring detents to select the angle of the central post, other holders can be used, such as a solid pin inserted through aligned openings. It is therefore intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. Exercise apparatus, comprising: a base; a pair of treadles mounted to said base for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis; a post mounted to said base between said pair of treadles and extending upwardly from said base; a pair of co-linear first holder rods each secured to said post and extending parallel to said first pivot axis each toward a respective one of said treadles; a pair of second holder rods each secured to a respective one of said treadles and extending parallel to said first pivot axis toward said post; and a pair of resilient resistance members each extending from a respective one of said first holder rods to a respective one of said second holder rods each on a respective side of said post.
 2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post is mounted to said base for angular pivoting about a second pivot axis parallel to said first pivot axis, and said apparatus further comprises: means for securing said post in a selected angular position about said second pivot axis.
 3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said post has an aperture spaced a first distance from said second pivot axis, and said means for securing comprises: a plate member secured to said base adjacent to said post, wherein said plate member lies in a plane orthogonal to said second pivot axis, and wherein said plate member has a plurality of apertures arrayed in a circular arc centered at said second pivot axis and spaced said first distance from said second pivot axis; and a holder extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures.
 4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said holder comprises a spring detent.
 5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said spring detent includes a detent button extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures, the apparatus further comprising: a cover member mounted on said post and having a resilient flap extending over said plate member and said detent button.
 6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising: a pair of massage pads each secured to a respective one of said treadles.
 7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said base comprises a substantially U-shaped structure having a cross member and a pair of parallel arm members; and said pair of treadles and said post are mounted to said cross member.
 8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 7 wherein each of said treadles includes a stop member which contacts a respective arm member of said base to limit downward movement of the respective treadle.
 9. Exercise apparatus, comprising: a base; a treadle mounted to said base for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis; a post mounted to said base adjacent said treadle and extending upwardly from said base; a first holder rod secured to said post and extending parallel to said first pivot axis toward said treadle; a second holder rod secured to said treadle and extending parallel to said first pivot axis toward said post; and a resilient resistance member extending from said first holder rod to said second holder rod.
 10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said post is mounted to said base for angular pivoting about a second pivot axis parallel to said first pivot axis, and said apparatus further comprises: means for securing said post in a selected angular position about said second pivot axis.
 11. The exercise apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said post has an aperture spaced a first distance from said second pivot axis, and said means for securing comprises: a plate member secured to said base adjacent to said post, wherein said plate member lies in a plane orthogonal to said second pivot axis, and wherein said plate member has a plurality of apertures arrayed in a circular arc centered at said second pivot axis and spaced said first distance from said second pivot axis; and a holder extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures.
 12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said holder comprises a spring detent.
 13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said spring detent includes a detent button extendable through said post aperture and a selected one of said plate member apertures, the apparatus further comprising: a cover member mounted on said post and having a resilient flap extending over said plate member and said detent button. 